Enotria, an ancient land located in southern Italy
Enotria is said to have been the birthplace of wine, with evidence of winemaking dating back to at least 2000 BC.
The name Enotria is derived from the Greek word "oinos," meaning wine, and the land was named for its abundance of vineyards and wine production.
Enotria, now known as Calabria
The region is now known as Calabria and was famous for its fertile soils and warm Mediterranean climate, which provided ideal conditions for grape cultivation.
The Greeks were the first to establish colonies in the area, and they brought with them their knowledge of winemaking, which greatly influenced the development of Enotria.
Enotria and the Lacrima Christi
Over time, Enotria became a major center for wine production, and its wines were highly prized throughout the Mediterranean world.
The region's most famous wine was known as "Lacrima Christi," or "Tears of Christ," which was said to have been made from grapes grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.
According to legend, when Christ ascended to heaven, he wept tears of joy, and these tears fell to the earth and nourished the vines.
The espalier technique for making wine
Enotria was also famous for its viticulture, which was considered an art form.
The ancient Greeks believed that the cultivation of grapes required great skill and knowledge.
In fact, they developed a system of training the vines known as "espalier."
This technique involved training the vines to grow in a horizontal pattern along a trellis, which allowed for greater exposure to sunlight and better air circulation.
Enotria's decline
Despite its long history of wine production, Enotria's fortunes declined over time.
The region was repeatedly invaded by various groups, including the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Normans.
Furthermore, these invasions disrupted the local economy and destroyed many of the vineyards.
In addition, changes in the political and economic landscape of the Mediterranean world led to a decline in demand for Enotria's wines, and the region's vineyards gradually fell into disuse.
Today, Enotria is a shadow of its former self, but its legacy lives on in the wines of southern Italy.
The region's winemakers have continued to produce high-quality wines using traditional methods, and many of these wines are gaining recognition on the global stage.
Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply a lover of history, Enotria is a fascinating and important chapter in the story of wine and Calabria, and it is well worth exploring.
Come with us to Calabria, there is the "Enotria tour" you can't miss out.
Contact us for more info and bookings info@madeincalabriaitaly.com or 845-415-3167.
Read our blog posts and follow us on instagram, facebook and Pinterest for the latest news about food, art, culture, home decor and travel in Calabria.
